Weezy is always making a point that he is different from
everybody else, but in recent months, we've had to wonder if he hasn't
grown indifferent to rap. He keeps dropping hints that his next album
might be his last or that he wants to concentrate on being a rock star
or skateboarder.

He used to boast that he was the best rapper on the planet. He's surely not that on this sequel to 2010's platinum I Am Not a Human Being,
which was released while he was in jail. It is solid, though, often
entertaining in the crass, lewd and rude way that's uniquely Wayne.

It
also good enough, at least for now, to change the focus from his health
(he was just hospitalized for six days after suffering seizures) to his
music. Just two years ago, his Tha Carter IV sold nearly 1 million copies in its first week, so there's plenty of anticipation for him to check back in.

Life's
grand for Weezy, as he tells us repeatedly that he's rich enough to
make his own rules, and if you don't like it, take a hike. Sex, drugs,
sex, guns and sex are the overarching themes, and he rattles off a
steady stream of clever punch lines. He has a particular fascination
with oral sex, which he addresses with an endless variety of colorful
descriptions. Haters are warned that they'd best keep their trash talk
to themselves.

Wayne's producers - including Cool & Dre,
Detail, Juicy J, Crazy Mike and T-Minus - create a rangy sonic backdrop
with everything from soul samples to sparse instrumentals to heavy metal
for his musings. Guests 2 Chainz, Juicy J, Drake, Future and Big Sean
have memorable moments, though the same can't be said for Soulja Boy or
Nicki Minaj. In any case, Weezy's world is still like no other.